Sleep apnea is a common condition characterized by pauses in breathing or shallow breathing during sleep and can potentially lead to all kinds of health issues.
At VIP Smiles, we understand that your overall health and oral health are intimately connected. That’s why we’re proud to offer custom dental devices designed to keep your jaw properly aligned while you sleep, helping your airway stay open so you can breathe easier.
If you’re struggling with sleep apnea, keep reading to learn about mandibular advancement devices, who’s a good candidate for them, and how VIP Smiles can help you get the restful, restorative sleep you need.
What Is Sleep Apnea?
First, let’s establish what exactly this condition is and why it happens. There are two main types: obstructive and central.
With obstructive sleep apnea, the soft tissue in the back of the throat collapses during sleep, blocking the airway. With central sleep apnea, the brain doesn’t automatically send signals to the body to breathe in and out.
Symptoms include loud snoring, daytime fatigue, headaches, difficulty concentrating, a dry mouth or sore throat, and gasping for air during sleep. If these issues persist, there’s an increased risk of heart disease, high blood pressure, diabetes, and stroke.
What Is a Mandibular Advancement Device (MAD)?
As we mentioned before, obstructive sleep apnea is typically caused by the soft tissue in the back of the throat collapsing during sleep, blocking the airway. The position of the jaw and tongue can make the airway more likely to collapse, which is where a mandibular advancement device comes in.
These custom-fitted oral appliances are designed to hold the lower jaw slightly forward, helping to keep the airway open during sleep. No more obtrusive than a retainer, mandibular advancement devices are a sleeker, more comfortable alternative to CPAP therapy.
Because MADs are more comfortable and less invasive than CPAP machines, patients are more likely to use them as directed, leading to greater treatment effectiveness. They’re portable, making them great for individuals who travel often. Plus, they’re completely silent, unlike noisy CPAP machines that can keep partners and roommates awake.
Who Is a Good Candidate for This Type of Treatment?
If you have mild to moderate obstructive sleep apnea and want an alternative to CPAP therapy, a mandibular advancement device may be a good solution for you. Keep in mind that this treatment sometimes requires a prescription from a doctor, and you may need to be formally diagnosed through a sleep study.
Those who have significant bite problems may not be suitable for this type of treatment. The device may not be able to keep the jaw in the proper place, inhibiting treatment. Additionally, those with severe TMJ issues or who grind their teeth at night may wear down the device quickly, necessitating frequent replacements.
The Treatment Process
The process of treating sleep apnea through a mandibular advancement device typically looks like this:
- Consultation and evaluation: At the initial consultation with the dentist, they’ll go over your health history and evaluate your jaw alignment and oral health to determine whether you’re a good candidate. They’ll discuss whether you need to undergo a sleep study or get a referral from a doctor before starting treatment.
- Custom impressions and fitting: Once you have the all-clear, the dentist will take digital or physical impressions of your mouth to ensure the device fits perfectly. You’ll typically have to come back a couple of weeks later once the device has been created for a final fitting.
- Adjustment period: A mandibular advancement device may take some time to get used to. Some patients may need minor adjustments as time goes on. It’s important to attend all follow-up visits with your dentist and/or doctor to monitor your treatment progress.
- Ongoing care: Take good care of your device. Clean and maintain it according to your dentist’s instructions to ensure it lasts for years to come.
Find Relief from Sleep Apnea with VIP Smiles
Don’t let sleep apnea hold you back from living the happy, healthy, and energized life you deserve. If you or a loved one is struggling with sleep apnea or snoring, contact our office today to see if a custom dental device is right for you. With the help of our expert VIP Smiles team, we’ll get you back to breathing easier and sleeping better in no time.
